Mob Overpowers Police Officers, Burns Woman To Death Over Child Theft Rumour
A woman was reportedly lynched and set ablaze by an irate mob in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following allegations that she attempted to steal children.
The victim, said to be a married woman and mother, was on her way to attend an Islamic lecture when some youths accused her of attempting to steal children.
Witnesses said the accusation quickly spread through the community, attracting a large crowd that descended on the woman and assaulted her before security personnel intervened.
She was subsequently taken to a nearby police post for protection and further investigation.
However, the situation later deteriorated as hundreds of youths reportedly converged on the police facility, demanding that the woman be handed over to them.
Residents said the crowd, angered by the rumours of child theft in the area, refused to disperse despite efforts by security operatives to calm the situation.
The mob eventually overpowered security personnel, forcibly removed the woman from custody and set her ablaze.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the woman was attacked over what he described as “fictitious allegations of child stealing.”
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maraban Jos received a distress call at about 10am that a woman was being attacked by a mob over allegations of child theft without any evidence.
“The DPO swiftly led officers to the scene, rescued the woman and moved her to the station for safety and investigation. Despite this, a large crowd later stormed and besieged the police station, overpowered officers on duty, forcibly removed the woman from custody, killed her and set her body ablaze,” Hassan said.
The police described the act as “barbaric, criminal and a direct assault on the rule of law.”
Hassan disclosed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, while a manhunt was ongoing for other perpetrators.
“A comprehensive investigation has commenced, and all culprits will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
